VANCOUVER – After nearly two decades of planning, design and construction, local officials are ready to wrap a proverbial ribbon around the Salmon Creek interchange. And Wednesday, Aug. 27, they’ll cut a literal ribbon on the roadway, celebrating the completion of the final construction phase of a project 17 years in the making.

Working with the Washington State Department of Transportation, crews with Max J. Kuney Construction finished all major construction efforts not only four months ahead of schedule, but approximately $11 million under the project’s $133 million total budget. The end result is an interchange that will provide a smoother ride, better pedestrian access, eased congestion and safer traveling.

“Being able to finish this project ahead of schedule and under budget is a huge benefit for everyone,” said WSDOT Southwest Region Administrator Don Wagner. “This project has been in the works for a long time, and we’re very proud to deliver fewer backups, better safety and faster drive times to the rapidly growing Salmon Creek area.”

WSDOT and Clark County Public Works will host a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, to celebrate these much-needed safety and mobility enhancements to drivers and the local community. Elected officials and representatives from federal, state and local delegations are expected to participate, and the public is invited to attend. Crews will open the new interchange in time for the afternoon commute later that day.

The Northeast 139th Street interchange is the fourth and final stage of a $133 million partnership project between WSDOT and Clark County Public Works: • In stage one, Clark County graded the new C-TRAN Salmon Creek park and ride facility. • During stage two, Clark County made local improvements to Northeast 139th Street, Northeast Tenney Road and the C-TRAN Salmon Creek park and ride lot. • For stage three, WSDOT added a lane to both directions of I-5 between Northeast 139th Street and the Northeast 179th Street exit. WSDOT also added a lane to the northbound Interstate 205 off-ramp to Northeast 134th Street. • In the fourth and final stage, WSDOT built the new I-5 interchange at Northeast 139th Street.

Some single-lane closures on I-5 and Northeast 134th Avenue will be necessary during the next two weeks while crews complete landscaping, signing and other auxiliary work related to the project.